Aiguille de l’Index with Mont Blanc as the backdrop
Course Summary:
This 4 day program focuses on the wonders of rock climbing high in the mountains of the French Alps. This is a comprehensive course introducing and refining the movement, rope and protection systems, theory and application of all facets of moving on high alpine multi-pitch rock climbing routes. Experiencing perfect stone of the high mountains in the Mont Blanc Massif is what keeps generations of climbers returning year after year.
Our Alpine Rock Climbing course is held in the birthplace of Alpinism; Chamonix, France. Chamonix is the ultimate training ground for the Alpine Rock Climber as both sides of this spectacular valley consist of excellent, solid and well featured stone. Each day will be spent in the mid or high mountains experiencing four days of the best alpine rock climbing on the planet. In many other mountain ranges, days are spent approaching, camping and working hard for access. In the Mont Blanc range an excellent network of trains, busses, cable cars, gondolas and chairlifts assist climbers by whisking them up high to where pleasant trails access the base of many multipitch climbs. Typically, descents from these majestic pinnacles consist of a down hill lift ride, saving wear and tear on tired legs and knees.
Solid granite in the Aiguille des Chamonix
Skills Introduced:
Our skills and curriculum is largely decided by our participants. Low ratios (never exceeding 2 climbers to one guide/instructor) ensures that we have the flexibility to meet all of your learning and climbing goals during this course. Below is a short list of rock related skills and techniques introduced during the course. Additionally, snow and glacier travel integrates nicely into this program as some high mountain routes may require some snow and glacier travel.
- Equipment Selection and Management
- Efficient Movement
- Basic Anchor anatomy and construction
- protection removal and placement
- belay transitions and management
- lead climber belaying
- multi-pitch sequence
- Rappelling and Lowering for descent
- glacier travel systems *if desired or applicable
- climbing in approach shoes or boots *if desired or applicable
- ice axe and crampon usage *if desired or applicable
Dates:
June 16-19, 2013
July 14-17, 2013
July 26- July 29, 2013
July 30-August 2, 2013
Custom Dates Available June – Sept, 2013
Cost:
$1000.00 USD per climber based on a (2:1) ratio for 4 days of private instruction.
Additional days can be added at a rate of $250.00 USD per climber (2 climbers) or $500.00 USD for one climber.
Our ratio for this program is never to exceed two climbers to one guide.
This includes the use all technical gear for the program. Helmet, Harness, Rock Shoes (Boots and Crampons if necessary) and Clothing are the responsibility of the climber. All gear can be easily obtained in Chamonix for purchase or for rent. We recommend that have previously climbed in their climbing shoes and have a pair of relaxed fit shoes that are comfortable for all day climbs.
This course works best with two climbers of similar ability and goals. Climbers with pre-established partnerships and experience tend to excel during this course under the leadership and supervision of a guide/instructor.
Please visit http://www.mikebromberg.com/booking/ for more details on booking and payment and to reserve dates.
College or University Student? Contact us for special rates and to discuss for credit programs. We give discounted rates to students enrolled in outdoor leadership and education programs. This course is ideal for students looking to supplement their college curriculum with focused instruction in the high alpine.
working on extended rappel systems for multi-pitch descent
Itinerary Example:
Our low ratios allow us to custom tailor the rock climbing experience exactly to suit preferences and goals of our climbers. Below is an example itinerary. We recommend at least one night in a nearby refuge to maximize climbing opportunities and for the quintessential Chamonix alpine experience. Most climbers visiting Chamonix for the first time don’t quite know what they are most interested in climbing. Our low ratios will help climbers develop preferences and select routes that they will find most enjoyable.
Day 0 : meet in the afternoon in Chamonix for a gear check and discussion of group goals. Night in Chamonix
Day 1: Crouchues Alpine Rock Ridge Traverse in the Aiguilles Rouges
Day 2: Multi-pitch alpine rock climbing with from 6 to 15 pitches
Day 3: Ascent of the Aiguille de l’Index or hike into the Refuge D’argentiere or Refuge Lac Blanc
Day 4: Ascent of alpine granite route off of the Aigulle du Midi, or from the Refuge d’Argentiere.
Alpine Rock II
For climbers with previous multi-pitch climbing experience, the Level II program is a more advanced high alpine rock experience. Based in at either the Refuge d’Argentiere or the Refuge Envers d’Aiguilles, we take advantage of the most climbing-centric starting points in the range and quite possibly in the world. These highly specialized custom programs allow for maximum of challenging and long rock routes. Please inquire for more details.
